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DELIVERED BEFORE THE 



ACKSON CONVENTION OF DELEGATES, 



FROM THE DIFFERENT 



rOWNSHIPS OF THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND 



ASSEMBLED 



AT ^1BL1I>GI;T0X, 3u\5 ^"^j ^^^^- 



BY ISAAC WATTS CRANE, Esq. 



COU..U. . u., ™^/w.;^s:r '^^'■■"•"'"'''"" "^ '"' 



PHILADELPHIA, 
1824. 



_ At the Jackson Committee of Delegates, t'.om the different townships of the county of Cumberland 
mBridgton, July 27th, 1824: It was unanimously ' "«"anu, 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Committee be presented to Isaac W. Crane, Esquire for the 
ratnot.c ADDRESS, delivered by him before the Convention this day ; and that he be renu'ested to 
lurmsb a copy for publication. 

Tr.,,>.„o T o DANIEL PARVIN, Chairman. 

iGSATics Thompson, Secretary. 

GENTLEMEN, 

1.) reluctantly submitting to the request of the convention, I wish it to be understood, that I had on- 
.y two days to prepare my very imperfect address, and that I am indebted to the celebrated author of 
Wyoming, lor many of the sentiments— and in some instances have borrowed his very words 

Me.sr. PARVIN and THOMPSON. "^'^^""'""^ ''°""' ^'^'^^ ""' ^^'^f 



\ 



^©iDiams 



Rita ctee«-it is a", "bs^^^ii";;; 

.,r the learned Montesquieu, that in 
r ^ ..ate every man, who is sup- 

ceincoin ms u»u & lihprtv and 

"'"=' ""^r::™ innfmus" publicly 
reason of every » .^ ^ prfetor 

appear, bvery ■ j^, it a ne- 

ta government .^^.looj.^^^ ^^ ^„,^,. 

SI' oneerns bis interest, be 
--. '' r lost"'X& "" 

rit of enquiry an^;";^^;'''^; le are 

ana to save the .^.^'L been pructis- 
and intrigues wluchUaveUeen 

'\^for one do not think it good 

I, lor on^' p,.csiaent from the 

policy to take the *^'^^'"^" ,ge the 

. &eads of D^P-^-^f f ''^Tof pa- 

practice supports a «5^;;"; ^^,^^1 

Pv'ernmeor ?he Secretaries, m 



selecting the officers dependant on 
!^lm vvill no doubt choose their 
fSds and those vvho in their turn 
eardo the most for the^m. Some;will 
have more patronage than oth?^«; J^^ 
Secretary of the Treasury, for instance 
having nnder him officers, collectors 
of he customs, inspectors agen, 
receivers of pnbUc monies and regis- 
ters If land offices, to the ^"aount of 
loooin.number all in some measure 

dependant for t^f t^^^^^^^J/^T^il 
fices upon his pleasure, and dra\ving 

ttksftomgovcrnmentdeposites,and 
tr— thlt be sbonld have nnmer- 
„„s P="-t'r' r*be een 'dTeaded 

lias procured >»m so many 

at Washington. '.' '» ."°' ™^eme„t of 
intention to spe»k in d.si«rageme 

'•- ''^^nitb'X^LS^s^f'-™''"- 

L&d Senaemen U. the «»^^^^ 

^:r:;uJ.y ca^^bie of executing «.« 

T i-Z: nf those departments. 1 hey 
duties ot those J compensated 
have been handsomely i ^^ 

other side. ,/'"'?';,';,.„ „f ,1,5 „at o"- 
Jackson to the gratitude oUh^, ^_^ 

If the contest toi tnc ti«^' j 



(4) 



among the heads of departments, it is 
natural to suppose that the chance will 
be on the side of him who has most to 
bestow. 

The selection of a President by a 
caucus at Washington, is also liable 
to strong objections. Nothing can 
be more repugnant to the letter and 
spirit of our excellent Constitution, 
which (Art. 2, Sect. 1) declares 
<' Each State shall appoint, in such 
manner as the Legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of electors, 
equal to the whole number of Senators 
and Representatives to which the 
state may be entitled in the Congress; 
but no Senator or Representative, or 
person holding an office of trust or 
profit under the Uni^Jd States, shall 
be appointed an Elector." The Con- 
gress have no right to interfere. They 
were chosen for different purposes, 
and only in case the question should 
come before them in a constitutional 
way, when the vote will be by states, 
(which was wisely provided to secure 
to the small states their share of in- 
fluence, and to preserve the balance 
deemed necessary to harmony and a 
good understanding) can they legally 
decide. For them to undertake to 
decide in the first instance, is an in- 
fringement of the rights of the people, 
and calculated to make of them mere 
machines. I say, therefore, that the 
practice of taking the President from 
the heads of departments ought to be 
discouraged, because it has a tendency 
to encourage the arts of intrigue and 
corruption, and to fix on us an aristo- 
cracy which may swallow up the most 
sacred and important rights of the 
people, which the Constitution evident- 
ly intended to secure, by providing 
that (he people should have the riglit 
of electing their Chief Magistrate. 
Indeed, I have no hesitation in saying 
that the practice which has prevailed 
in some states, and at one time in our 
own state, of the Legislature appoint- 
ing the electors, is repugnant lo the 



Constitution, both to its letter and 
spirit. The words are, " Each state 
shall appoint electors, in such man- 
ner as the Legislature thereof may di- 
rect." The framers of our Constitu- 
tion certainly never could have inten- 
ded by these words to convey the idea 
that the Legislature should appoint 
as the Legislature should direct. It 
was only intended to give the Legisla- 
ture the right to prescribe the mode, 
not to make the appointment. The 
words, " each state," evidently mean, 
the people of the state, and the Con- 
stitution evidently intended to make 
the liCgislature the agent to prescribe 
the rule, and the people the actors, to 
execute the thing to be done, or to 
make the appointment. It was never 
intended to interpose not only the elec- 
tors, but also the Legislatures of the 
different states, as intermediate bar- 
riers between the people and their 
President. The object was, to make 
the President derive his power from 
the people, and to be dependant on 
them. It never was, in those days, 
understood that the election of or con- 
tinuance of the President in oflice 
should depend on his manceuvring to 
obtain the favorable side of the lead- 
ing men in our different Legislatures, 
or that he should so far debase himself 
as to practise the arts of intrigue and 
seduction at all ; but it was believed 
that, like the towering oak among the 
surrounding forest, he could be de- 
scried at a distance, and that the peo- 
ple, faithful to themselves, would elect 
a man endeared to Ihcm by his servi- 
ces and paramount qualifications. — 
General Washinjrton was chosen on 
account of the services rendered his 
country. It never was pretended that 
his talents as a statesman and civilian 
were superior to those of General 
Jackson; and the same patiiotic prin- 
ciple which led the patriots of that day 
to elect Washington to the Presidency 
in preference to Adams, who was elee- 
led Vice President, will certainly levid 



(5) 

the palriots of the present (lay, whose dredsofour brethren were found in 
feelings of gratitude are not merged the Indian camp. Arbuthnotand Ara- 
in mercenary considerations of court brister were taken and regularly tried, 
favor, to extol Jackson to that high found guilty and sentenced to be shot, 
office in preference to J. Q.Adams, In the caseof Ambrister, who I am in- 
(who in erudition and diplomatic skill formed was a British officer, the 
stands unrivalled) or to any other of the Court, on reconsideration, saw proper 
candidates. Under Washington our in- to alter the sentence to 50 stripes and 
dependence was achieved; under Jack- 12 months imprisonment ; but Jack- 
son our independence has been pre- son, whose experience and better judg- 
served, and our nation obtained a rank ment convinced him it would be dan- 
which the combined efforts of the ho- gerous to allow such men to live, hav- 
ly alliance, if we remain true to our- ingall the proceedings before him, and 
selves and to correct principles, can it being only a Court of Enquiry, re- 
never destroy. Discard all motives versed the second sentence, which 
of a mercenary nature, renounce the could hardly be called a military one, 
views of the trafficking politicians who and confirmed the fast, and tliey were 
draw their sustenance from the bee- both executed. The British govern- 
hiveofthe Metropolis — let virtuous ment, whose subjects they were, knew 
principle and national gratitude have better than to complain, and Mr. 
its proper and legitimate effect upon Adams, the Secretary of State, pub- 
our minds, and I would ask, where is lished a complete justiiieaiion of the 
the man to be found who would stand transaction. 

in competition with the hero of Or- His confinement of Sousa, and Cal- 

leans? lava the Spanish Governor, until cer- 

Ile has been censured for ordering tain papers which had been purloined 

the execution of Arbutimot and Am- with a view of defrauding unprotected 

brister. It is well known that as far orphans, and w hich had been carried 

back as our memories will r^'ach, it away contrary to the treaty, were 

has been a subject of heartfelt regret delivered up, has been censured; but 

to the friends of humanity, that our Jackson's conduct as Governor in this 

frontier settlements have beenexposed respect has been fully canvassed and 

to the cruelties of the savages, who justified by an impartial pubhc. He 

murder, without discrimination, men, understood the law and his duties 

women and helpless children, and it better than Judge Fromentin, and 

has ahvays been believed that the In- would to God that our Judges in gene- 

dians have been secretly instigated by ral more resembled him, and in their 

foreign re negadoes to acts of rapine decisions were actuated by the same 

and murder. The difficulty has been integrity and love of justice. And let 

to find out these unprincipled wretches me ask, why is it that this brave and 

— when discovered, it is all-important upright man has been so viliiled, that 

to our honor and permanent safety he has been charged with using violent 

that an exemplary punishment be in- and harsh expressions.'* Did not 

flietcd. These men had abandoned Washington use language equally 

civilized society, and had identified harsh and offensive to Lee, when he 

themselves with the savages and fugi- disobeyed his orders at Monmouth? 

tive negroes, and had furnished them and has the spirit of our fathers so 

with arms and supplies to carry on far deserted us, that it has become a 

the horrid work of human butchery, crime to express ocr indign:^tion 

Jackson was ordered to put a stop to against the enemies of our country, 

these atrocities, 'i'he scalps of bun- although secret and insi(!ioiis foes 

lurkinft within its bowels? 



(6) 



Why was it, that Crawford covert- 
ly aiui Clay more openly endeavored 
to asperse the conduct of our hero, 
in the Semhiolc war? — Why would 
tiiey desire to degrade a man who had 
encountered every privation and hard- 
ship for the safety and glory of his 
i'ouutry, except that he stood in the 
way of their views of self aggrandise- 
ment? They knew that he had too 
fast a hold on the alfections of his 
country, and therefore it was they 
raised (he cry, ''crucify him, crueify 
him." 'I'he result of the investiga- 
tion before Congress, proved that there 
was nothing restrictive in the orders 
to Jackson, commanding him to give 
peace to the Southern border, but that 
every thing in relation to mode and 
oianner was left with him. — The 
remonstrances ol'the Spanisli Minister, 
and the malevolence of those who 
wished to pluck from the warrior's 
brow his well-earne<! laurels, proved 
ineifectual. He was jtistified — his 
enemies we«'e discomfited. It was 
conceded that he had aright to enter 
a neutral territory which eould not 
maintain its own neutrality, and to 
punish those who had instigated the 
Mar, and wljo causelessly had become 
the murderers of women and helpless 
C'hJidreii. 

General Jackson has been censured 
by some for proclaiming martial law, 
and suspending the privilege of Ha- 
beas Corpus, but when it is considered 
that the safety of the city of New-Or- 
leatis was confided to him and that the 
enemy caleulatetl on tiie disaffected 
v\i(hin its walls, who does not seethe 
ifuportauce of energy and firmness on 
siieli an occasion ? Such a moment- 
ous period wis! not admit of the dull 
formalities of (he law's delay. In his 
defence when on his trial, he says — 
*' Under a solemsj conviction that the 
country committed to my care could 
only be saved from ruin — under a reli- 
gious belief that 1 was performing a 
M^ost important and sacred duty, I did 



proclaim martial law. It was a mea- 
sure intended to supercede such civil 
powers as in their operation interfered 
with those 1 was obliged to exercise. 
At such a moment, constitutional 
forms, 1 thought, should be suspended, 
lor the permanent preservation of con- 
stitutional rights; and that there could, 
be no question, whether it would be 
best to depart for a moment from the 
enjoyment of our dearest rights, or 
have them wrested from us forever. 
If the civil magistrate were permitted 
to exercise his usual functions, none 
of the measures necessary to avert the 
awful fate that threatened us could be 
expected. Personal liberty could not 
exist at a time M hen every man was 
reqiured to be a soldier. To have 
suffered the uncontrolled enjoyment of 
constitutional right, at such a time 
and under such circumstances, would 
have been to abandon the defence of 
the country." He sent Judge Hall, 
who interposed his Habeas Corpus, 
not to gaol, but above the city and 
without the lines, with this order 
placed in his hands — ** I have thought 
proper to send you beyond the limits 
of my encampment, to prevent a repe- 
tition of the improper conduct with 
wliieli you have been charged. You 
will remain without the Tme of my 
sentinels, until the ratification of peace 
is regularly announced, or until the 
British shall have left the southern 
coast." I'hc course pursued by Gen. 
Jackson was necessary to the safety 
of the country. The author of his 
biography remarks, «' He «lid this, be- 
lieving he was right in the declaration 
of martial law, and that the good 
sense of Judge Hall should at so mo- 
ujentous a period have taught him a 
different course. He did it, because 
disposed to give complete effect to his 
measures — to silence opposition, ami 
satisfv the refractory and the design- 
ing that judicial interference should 
not mar the execution of bis plans of 
defence, or aff«>rd a screen behind 



(7) 



^hich (reason might stalk unmolested. 
He did it to make the example effec- 
tual, and to obtain through fear, that 
security which could not be had 
through love of country." 

The reflecting men of the country 
have admitted that without these 
strong measures, New Orleans could 
not have been defended. If it was 
right to declare martial law, it belong- 
ed to his prudence and caution as a 
good general, not to repeal or abolish 
it, until informed from the proper 
source that the danger was removed. 

It is worthy of remark that this 
charge of violating the constitution is 
made by the friends of Mr. Crawford, 
who see nothing improper in his loan- 
ing out one or two hundred thousand 
dollars of the people's money, for his 
own benefit and that of the banks, 
although the constitution declares tliat 
" no money shall be drawn from the 
treasury, but in consequence of ap- 
propriations made by law." It is not 
my business to impugn the motives of 
Mr. Crawford; they may have been 
honorable. He has, no doubt, had 
a difficult task to perform. But I do 
say that if Jackson erred, it was from 
motives of patriotism and regard to 
the public good; not to assist himself 
or his particular friends, but to defend 
the liberties of his country. 

In one of his Indian wars, where he 
had to contend with mutinyin his camp, 
the means for subsistence for the army 
Inaving been almost exhausted, mark 
the energy of his character. Having 
in vain addressed their patriotism, and 
appealed to their bravery and the 
noblest feelings of the human heart in 
behalf of their unprotected brethren 
on the frontiers, exposed to savage 
barbarity; and finding that no argu- 
ments could prevail to prevent their 
return, he threw himself in front of 
the columns, pointed them to the 
artillery posted in a defile, through 
which they were to pass, supported by 
two companies who aloue remained 



faithful, and declared thiit only through 
carnage should they retire. Siicceias 
attended him, and they returned lo 
their duty. 

His conduct to Weathersford, a 
distinguished warrior of the Creeks, 
shows the magnanimity of his soul. — 
This chief had lighted up the war and 
led the assault against Fort Mimms, 
where many women and children had 
been butchered. — Jackson had deter- 
mined that he should atone for this 
rash and unprovoked deed — and when 
the Indians, almost destroyed, came to 
sue for peace, the surrender of their 
chief was required as a condition. 
Under these circumstances Weatliers- 
ford made his way undiscovered and 
gained admission to Jackson's tent. 
"I am AVcathersford," said he, ''who 
led the attack against Fort Mimms. — 
1 have come to ask for peace for my 
country: my warriors are all slain, and 
I can ficht you no lonsrer. 1 am a 



soldier, and in your power, where of 
my own accord I have placed myself: 
— do with me as you please, but give 
peace to my country." Struck by 
his noble conduct, Jackson extended to 
him pardon and an assurance oi* 
safety. 

There arc many incidents of his 
history, of which time will not allow 
to go into the details, which shew 
that his heart is the seat of the most 
tender and refined feelings, and of the 
most benevolent virtues. 

In one of his conflicts with the In- 
dians, an infant found resting on the 
bosom of its mother, who hid been ac- 
cidentally slain in battle, was brought 
to him ; he instantly received it, be- 
came its protector and reared it. 
Those who live in his vicinity bear 
testimony to his benevolent exertions 
in the cause of virtue and to his nu- 
merous acts of beneficence and philan- 
thropy. I will mention one case which 
interests us nearer home : — A few 
years since while the General was 
taking an excursion m ith his lady at a 



(8) 

cons'ijlei'ii!)!^ (iistasice from Nashville, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all 
the place of liis tesidence, he stopped other officers of the United States, 
at an inn. The latuUady was a wo- whose appointments are not herein 
man possess»*d of superior accomplish- otherwise provided for and which shall 
mcnts, andtiad lost lier hushmd. On be established by law. But the Con- 
enquiiy he found hei- (o be the daugh- gress may by law vest the appoint- 
of his old fs'ieud und coujpanion in nieut of such inferior officers, as they 
su'ms, Captaiu C/wu/i, of Bristol. He think proper in the President alone, 
introtlueed her as such to his lady, and in the Courts of law, or in the heads 
an arran:i;ement took place, by which of Departments. He shall have pow- 
thiough the Generars anspices, this er to fill up all vacancies that may 
lady was removed to a station at the happen during the reeess^of the Senate 
head of a female seminary,in the neigh- by granting commissions which shall 
borhood of Nashville, in which she be- expire at the end of their next session, 
came eminently useful and her circum- He shall from time to time give Con- 
stances affluent. — In a letter to her gress information of the state of the 
father, she told him of her good for- Union, and recommend to their con- 
luneand to whom she owed so much, sideration such measures a&he shall 
This brought on a correspondence be- judge necessary and expedient. — He 
Iween the parent and the General, may on extraordinary occasions, con- 
which Anthony Taylor of Bucks vene both houses, or either of them. 
County, Pennsylvania, who read the He shall receive ambassadors and 
letters, informed me, was extremely other publii ministers, shall take care 
interesting and highly creditable to that the laws be faithfully executed 
the bead and heart of our hero, and shall commission all the officers 

it has been objected, that we want of the United States." 
him for a general, but that his talents What duties enumerated here, h 
are not adequate to the duties of the not Jackson as capable of performing 
office of President. On looking at as any of the candidates? His eor- 
the constitution I find. Art. 2. Sec. 2. respondence with Mr. Monroe, lately 
and 3. that the President shall be published, and his despatches and 
Comnrander in Chief of the army and other writings shew that he possesses 
navy of the United States, and of the comprehensive, sound and statesman- 
militia of the several States when cal- like views of our national interests, 
led into the actual service of the Uni- and that the administration already 
ted States. He may require the owes him much. It has been said, in 
opinion in writing of the principal objection, that as it belongs to the Fre- 
oilicers in each of the Executive sident to receive ambassadors and 
Departments upon any subject rela- other public ministers, that General 
ling to the duties of their respective Jackson having been educated in the 
offices: and he shall have power to interior, cannot be sufficiently acquain- 
j:;rant reprieves and pardons for offences ted with the etiquette and ceremonies 
ugainst the United States, except in which appertain to the intercourse of 
cases of impeachment. — He shall have different courts. This can hardly be 
power by and with the advice and con- thought a serious objection; and if it 
sent of the Senate, to make treaties were, it is calculated very much to cir- 
provided two thirds of the Senators cumscribe the people in the their 
present concur: and he shall nominate, choice of a Chief Magistrate. Few 
and with the advice and consent of go to Europe for their education, and 
the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, of those who have gone as ambassa- 
the public ministers, and consuls, dors, the best, and they who have ac- 



(9) 



quitted themselves most to the public 
satisfaction, have been more distin- 
guished for plain sound sense, than for 
the accomplishments of the ball room. 
I would ask, whether manners, plain, 
frank and undisguised, such as peculi- 
arly distinguish the General, do not 
better accord with the spirit of our re- 
publican institutions, than the gaiety 
and frivolity, the etiquette and ceremo- 
ny, which characterise the courts of 
Europe and are often at war with the 
luaxims of truth and sincerity. The 
pride of an American ought justly to 
revolt at the idea of such a dependence 
on foreign customs, as much so as at 
the idea of importing a prince of the 
blood or German Baron to rule over 
us: but those who are acquainted with 
General Jackson bear testimony to his 
polite accomplishments j and his cor- 
respondence with the polished com- 
manders of the British army shews 
that either in diplomacy or at the 
sword, he was fairly their equal. 

As commander in chief of the army 
and navy, and of the militia., he is pre- 
eminently qualified. In recommend- 
ing measures to Congress, his princi- 
ples and judgment afford the strongest 
assurance that he will be actuated by 
the most disinterested patriotism and 

,, love of country. In making appoint- 
ments, standing aloof as he does from 
tlie political atmosphere of the me- 
tropolis, not committed to any one, un- 
der no promise and under no influence 
of the leading jjien, the interest he 
feels in his country's welfare, affords 
a sure pledge that his motto or rule of 
conduct will be '' that merit shall be 
the road to preferment." 

Although, like Washington, he is no 
dealer in words or maker of speeches, 
yet he has given ample proof that he 
is well acquainted with the checks and 

^ balances and well poised principles of 
our government, and that he is as ca- 
pable of judging of the effects of a 
treaty, as those on whose eloquence 



listening Senates have hung with rap- 
ture. 

The following extract from an ad- 
dress of General Jackson to his army, 
soon after his marine force on the 
lakes had been destroyed, and when 
his prospects were as gloomy as those 
of Washington, previous to the turn- 
ing of the tide of the war at Trenton, 
may justly vie with the best models of 
Grecian and Roman eloquence. 

" You are contending," said he, "for all 
that can render life desirable; for your pro- 
perty and your lives; lor that which is 
dearer than all, your wives and children; 
for liberty, without which property, life 
and country are not worth possessing. E- 
ven the embraces of wife and children are 
a reproach to the wretch who would de- 
prive them by his cowardice of those in- 
estimable blessings. You are to contend 
with an enemy who seeks to deprive you 
of the last of these; who avows a war of 
vengeance and desolation, carried on by- 
marked cruelties, lusts, and horrors un- 
known to civilized nations. 

^^JVatives oftht United •Stafesi the ene- 
mies you are to contend v/ith, are the op- 
posers of your infant political existence; 
they are men your fathers fought and con- 
quered, whom you are now to oppose. 
£)escenda7its of Freyichment Natives of 
France! they are English, the hereditary, 
the eternal enemies of your ancient coun- 
try, the invaders of that you have adopted 
who are your foes. Spaniards! Remem- 
ber the conduct of your allies at St. Se- 
bastian, and recently at Pensacola, and 
rejoice that you have an opportunity of a- 
vtnging the brutal injuries infiicted by 
, men who dishonor the human race. Lou- 
isianiansl your General rejoices to wit- 
ness the spirit that animates you. Com- 
manding men who know their rights, and 
are determined to defend them, he salutes 
you as brethren in arms, and has now a 
new motive to exert all his faculties, which 
shall be strained to the utmost in your de- 
fence. Continue with the energy you 
have begun, and he promises you, not on- 
ly safety, but victory over an insolent foe, 
who has insulted you by an affected doubt 
of your attachment to the constitution of 
your country. Your enemy is near, his 
sails already cover the lakes, but the 



S 



(10) 



brave are united, and if he finds us con- 
tending an)ong ourselves, it will be for 
the prize of valor, and fame, its noblest 
reward." 

If there is passion there is also reason 
in this address. But we are told that 
he is rash and intemperate, and would 
be more likely to embroil the nation 
in difficulty; and although in time of 
war he will make an excellent Gene- 
ral to command the army, yet that in 
time of peace it will not be safe to 
trust the government in his hands. 
The amount of this objection is, that 
in time of war, when life is at stake, 
and the fortunes of every citizen at ha- 
zard, when the reputation of wives 
and daughters is open to assault, vio- 
lence and ruin; the constitution and e- 
very thing dear at peril, then we will 
have coniidenee in Jackson — and 
while he shall ligiit our battles, we 
will sleep securely, not doubting of his 
judgment and discretion; but danger 
over, we will consign him to retire- 
ment, and seek for some fire-side pa- 
triot, who may call himself a repub- 
lican, and who the leaders, having an 
eye lo their own advancement, may 
say is a very discreet and prudent 
nian. This mode of reasoning, based 
in ingratitude worse than the sin of 
witchcraft, is calculated to take away 
one of the strongest incentives to 
great and noble actions. If l*e were 
your slave, your language would be 
the same. You tell him that he has 
fought so well, that if you are again 
attacked, he shall have the honor of 
fighting again; but that the highest 
honors in time of peace are awarded 
to those who contrived to keep out of 
danger, upon salaries of nine thou- 
sand dollars per year. Pitiful, ridic- 
ulous subterfuge ! — I trust that the 
spirit of Jerseymen will rise indig- 
nant against a sentiment so base 
and selfish. The hero who risks his 
life for his country, knows that a na- 
tion's gratitude will be his reward — 
he feels that ''it is sweet and honora- 



ble to die for one's country;" but ex- 
tinguish the lovo of glory; take a- 
way this noble incentive; and when 
your country is invaded, your only re- 
liance will be in mercenary legions. 
Your liberty and independence will be 
no more. 

Jackson's Farewell Address to the 
army breathes sentiments of the most 
humble piety and devout gratitude. 
Not like the Babylonish Monarch who 
exulted in " the might of his power;" 
but like the humble stripling who « in 
the dread name of Israel's God," with 
a sling and a stone, brought the boast- 
ing Philistine to the dust, he as- 
cribes all the glory to ''the God of bat- 
tles, to the wonderful interposition of 
Heaven," and ordered public prayers 
and thanksgiving to be offered up to 
the God of Heaven, who had granted 
them the victory. Can those of us 
then, my fellow citizens, who believe 
in an overruling Providence, be char- 
ged with presumption in supporting to 
the Presidency, him, whom Heaven 
has chosen as the humble but signal 
instrument of our preservation. 

The genius of our people and our 
government would render futile and 
contemptible all attempts at usurpa- 
tion, like those of Julius Caesar, Oliver 
Cromwell, Napoleon Bonaparte and I- 
turbide, Jackson an usurper! Pitiful, 
ridiculous pretence, that an old man 
whose whole life has been devoted to 
the preservation of the blessing of lib- 
erty, and for whom the incense of a 
nation's gratitude, has more charms 
than crowns and sceptres, should wish 
to enslave his country. You may as 
well call Washington and Franklin u- 
surpers. Should the people be so 
foolish as to offer him a kingly crown, 
he would trample it under his feet. It 
is a wild chimera of the brain, to sup- 
pose that he who disdained an embas- 
sy to the court of an usurper, with a 
salary of 18,000 dollars per annum, 
would tarnish all his laurels, by re- 
nouncing the Rights of Man. ''Should 



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you thrice offer him a kingly crown has been called (o a discharge of the 
he would it thrice refuse." duties of civil life. He has lilled with 
The idea entertained by some, that ability the various civil offices of Sc- 
because Jackson is a soldier and knows nator and Representative in Congress, 
how to fight, he will be more likely to Attorney General, Member of tlie 
embroil the nation in war, is prepos- convention which framed the consti- 
terous. It must be remembered that tution of Tennessee, Judge of her Su- 
the President is chosen for four years, preme Court, and Governor of Flori- 
and that our goyernment is wisely da. In all the offices which he has 
provided with cheeks and balances, filled, both civil and military, he has 
No good General loves to fight for shown himself capable and faith- 
the sake of fighting. If such had been ful. In the Congress of 1797, 1 find 
the character of Jackson, why, after on examining the votes, that he was 
giving safety to the city of New-Or- opposed to an augmentation of sala- 
leans, and repelling the enemy with ries, and in favor of economy, so all- 
slaughter, did he not pursue them with important to the preservation of a re- 
blood and carnage? The truth is, he publican administration. Having, 
had attained the object most benefi- like Washington, fought for liberty, 
cial to the country, and that was all he knows its value and how to appre- 
he wanted. His prudence and cau- ciate its blessings, 
tion are equal to his courage and bra- This making a President by the 
very. Congress at Washington, who are ca- 
Those who advocate him as Gene- ressed and flattered by the candidates, 
ral, but not as President, ought to has an ill-boding aspect. 1 protest 
consider, that as President every part against it from principle. It will lead 
of our country would be benefitted to corruption and aristocracy, in which 
and derive protection from his mili- the rights of the people will be svval- 
tarytalentSjhis sagacity and vigilance, lowed up. Tyrants have predicted 
i Can such a man, fellow citizens be the downfall of our republic, and the 
^ unfit for the office of President? Will friends of liberty have not been with- 
it be unsafe to confide the destinies of out their fears and apprehensions, that 
1 the Republic to his hands? — Have we it will proceed from this source. As- 
y not the best reason for the opinion pirants for the office, it was apprehen- 
that " he that avenged the wrongs of ded, would be found, and the people, 
his injured country in time of war, forgetful of their own interest, would 
will govern her with wisdom, honor suffer themselves to be parcelled out 
and justice in time of peace ?" Histo- In favor of different pretenders. 
ry proves that the same talents which The minority of a party deserves no 
qualify for an able general will qual- better name than that of a faction. It 
ify for an able statesman, and that in is casting a reproach on our republi- 
Europe, the most distinguished gov- can government to admit of the prin- 
ernors in peace, whose reigns have ciple of a caucus, composed of the mi- 
been most prosperous, have been those nority of a party, when all the candi- 
who were most renowned for milita- dates are professedly of the same par- 
ry qualifications. The reason is, that ty. The Presidential question cannot 
to make an able General requires be considered as a party question, in 
mind and qualities of the highest or- our State.— J. J. Wilson, now deeeas* 
der.— -General Washington in our own ed, formerly member of the U. States 
country, is an illustration of the re- Senate, became attached to Mr. Ad- 
mark, and Jackson presents an equal- ams, Secretary of State, and was an 
ly conclusive example, so far as he avowed advocate of that gentleman for 



(12) 



the Presidency. Mr. Dickerson, also 
member of fhe U. S. Senate, bef?ame 
attached to Mr. Crawford, and was 
his strenuous supporter in the minori- 
fy caucus. Some of our eastern mem- 
bers, it is said, Jiavc expressed their 
predilection for Mr. Clay. — And liow 
is it that Mr. Crawford has become 
the minority or caucus candidate? In- 
trigue and management have become 
the order of the day, and Crawford, it 
would appear, has his congressional 
friends betterdrilled. The candidates, 
with the exception of Jackson, have 
been found electioneering and in- 
triguing to worm themselves into the 
confidence of the members of Con- 
gress, to obtain their friendly support, 
and through them the support of the 
nation. Unless the people rise in their 
majesty, and interpose their constitu- 
tional prerogative of judging, they 
may in time lose the power altogeth- 
er, may forfeit the name and charac- 
ter of freemen, and become the hum- 
ble gondaiiers of some^contemptible 
Doge. 

And why does not Jackson pursue 
the same course ? Because he has a 
soul which towers above intrigue, and 
is too devoted to principle to suffer 
himself to roam in quest of favor and 
patronage. — Hetired from the busy 
scenes of public life, where in the most 
perilous times he has been so actively 
employed, he reposes on the laurels 
his valor has won, and on the affec- 
tions of a grateful people. 

I am in favor of Jackson in prefer- 
ence to Crawford, because, if Mr. 
Crawford were otherwise unexcep- 
tionable, the method taken to force 
him on the people, whether they will 
or not, affords a well grounded jeal- 
ousy, that a blow is aimed at the very 
elective franchise itself, on which the 
I'reedom and purity of our republican 
institutions depend. — ^The practice of 
selecting by a congressional caucus is 
repugnant to the principles of our con- 
stitution, the intention of the fraraers 



of which evidently was, that the three 
independent branches of our govern- 
ment should be kept separate and dis- 
tinct. — As Jerseymen, citizens of a 
small state, our interest in the scale of 
the Union depends on a close adher- 
ence to the constitution. 

I am in favor of Jackson, because I 
believe that before his stern integrity 
and virtue, intrigue and corruption 
will stand abashed, and the Augean 
stable will be thoroughly cleansed ; 
because be is an advocate for domes- 
tic manufactures ; because I believe 
that he will favor the plans of defence 
and of internal improvement recom- 
mended by the present administration, 
and so necessary to the maintenance 
of that high and digniiied character 
which has exalted our country among 
the nations of the earth, and jthat he 
will fix, on a sure basis, the stability 
ofour Republican institutions, so dear 
to him, and for which, he with our 
fathers, fought, bled, and conquered ; 
because I believe that he is actuated 
by the most disinterested patriotism, 
having done every thing for his coun- 
try and nothing for himself, and be- 
cause I believe that he will make such 
a President as the crisis calls for — at 
a time when the monarchs of Europe 
are endeavouring to put down all free 
governments, and to establish the prin- 
ciple that " Kings shall rule and the 
people obey," we may find some secu- 
rity in having a President whose deci- 
sion, firmness, and military character 
are so well known and highly respec- 
ted, both at home and abroad — At this 
time, so big with the fate of Europe 
and America, we want no fmurf politi- 
cians in our cabinet, for *< fear admit- 
ted into public councils, betrays like 
treason." — Against the holy alliance, 
the name of Jackson alone >vill prove a 
host, for his country ; and in the hour 
of trial^he will stand by her "to shield 
her and save her or perish there too." 

lam in favor of Jackson for Presi- 
dent, not from any mercenary selfish 



(13) ^ 

tsonsitlerations, but because there is a to the gallant La Fayette) concurs to 

principle interwoven in the ligaments demonstrate, that gratitude is due to 

of the human heart, and which the his- the defenders and benefactors of their 

toryofall ages (not to mention the country, and that Republics, when left 

generousenthusiasm with which Ame- free to express their sentiments, are 

ricans at this time are making prepa- always grateful, and that they are 

rations to welcome to our shores, and never ungrateful, unless under the 

pour forth the homage of their hearts trammels of party, or of party leaders. 



NEW JERSEY INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN 

ELECTORAL TICKET, 

Unanimously agreed upon at a Convention of Delegates, from tlie differ- 
ent counties, assembled at Trenton, friendly to the election of GENERAL 
ANDREW JACKSON, to the Presidency, and JOHN C. CALHOUN, to 
the Vice Presidency of the United States. 

John Buck, 
Joseph Kille, 
John Beatty, jr. 
Joseph W. Scott, 
Isaac G. Farlee, 
Daniel Vliet, 
James Parker, 
Peter Wilson. 



^3 ur 



Ktf»5VS«' 









